Oh.. and anyone please feel free to disagree with me if my assessment of any of these vehicles is messed up. I certainly don't know everything about all vehicles. I am considering replacement options for my truck, but I'm also using the opportunity to have fun examining all the trucks out there.

I gotta say, the older Mitsubishi's are pretty darn impressive - especially for the price. There were a couple of vehicles that use the diesel engine that goes into those, so a swap would be pretty straight forward. It is definitely an overlooked vehicle.  8k for a clean, low mileage, diesel powered 4x4.  That's a great value.

Craig

I dont know much about Toyota's but this has overland capable written all over it... as well as expensive.

James - Have you looked through our photo albums?  We've done a trip with that truck, and Scott is one of our sponsors (Overland Journal).

It is a nice truck and is one of the ones on my shortlist in the initial post.  Too bad it doesn't run diesel, but it isn't a deal breaker.  I know my son and dog would fit in the back because Pasquale sat back there with his video camera all the way to the Arctic Ocean from Arizona! 

Search here for TDi or deisel swap Vanagon Synco, I've read a couple threads on them here. (Not that I'm saying they are reliable)  Man, there are some sweet Syncro's on this site.

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewforum.php?f=20&topicdays=0&start=150&sid=5e7bf7e980ddaa6e3760df5935379518

Petersen's 4Wheel Off Road magazine is suppossed to have a big Expedition Rig Buyer's Guide article for the June issue.  But they told me they may only show one rig that is less than $50,000.

I agree that simpler is better when it comes to this kind of vehicle. I loved my 87 Range Rover (so much that it still sits in my driveway!), and it never let me down. If something went wrong, it was fixable, or not trip ending. My short list is pretty much like Craig's with a couple of exceptions.

RRC, the simpler the better, which sends us back to 1987-88, or early grey markets. Gord'n is rehabbing what I believe is a 1972? RRC that was a pop up camper. It's rough, and the top wasn't fastened down before it was shipped, so that flew off somewhere in the Mid-West. 300tdi.

My TLC preference is FJ60. I love those. Well, I really love FJ55s, but in reality, those are hard to find in decent shape. Also would love a BJ75 diesel. Slobber.

If you're going to think Defender, I say 127 or 130 HiCap tdi??? Maybe a different color...

I love the Syncros, but they sell for a lot.  I grew up camping with our families 67 VW bus that later became my first car.  After becoming an owner I subscribed to Hot VWs and became a car enthusiast.  Eventually I sold sold my bus for $700 just before leaving for college.  I have a really hard time accepting what a syncro sells for... then again, I never should have sold the bus.

Craig

In the early '90's I was looking at a used Syncro Westy for $14,000;  about what you'd pay now for a half way decent one.  Refurbished  on the Van Cafe inventory can go for $40k and more.

Craig,

I've mounted tents on a couple of Canadian 45 cruisers.  Drooled all over both of them.  They are loaded with electronic windows,etc., however.  The turbo diesel is world renowned and gets great mileage.  the only minor issue is right-hand drive.  But everyone I spoke with says it takes one or two days most and you're used to it.

All the big Toyota Cruiser are heavy.  But they are also tanks and you can carry four humans and a dog or two with lots of room to spare. 

I'm surprised you don't like the Montero.  The early series looked like a knockoff of the RRC to me.  The last version brought over here, according to Wiki, looks very interesting.  I just may have to look into those myself.

Stay with Gen 1 or Gen 2 Monteros. They are the more reliable and capable vehicles. I have always thought they looked like the G Wagons.

Thanks for the advice Ryan; I'll take a look at them.

Actually, I think my next purchase will be a F650GS Dakar.  I have wanted to get into two wheel trail riding for 20 years.  I'm running out of time, so better get at it.

Dale,

I like the Montero, just not the aesthetics.

I think we must be talking about different BJ45s. I'm not sure that the BJ45 I'm talking about even has turn signals and headlights. I think youhave to tape surefire flashlights to the front and stick your arm out to signal.

Surfing some more last night though, and I think a BJ44 is more to my liking.  Bigger, but not too big.

Craig

Picture is of a BJ45

Emphasis on "...and more."

www.gowesty.com/vehicle_details.php

www.gowesty.com/sale_details.php

What is it about your current vehicle that you don't like? You have a list of what you are looking for, but what is making you look?

Brian

"F"J45.

Thanks for pointing that out: I guess I can justify increasing my build budget and still be a lot cheaper!  Now for the revenue to fill the expanded budget...hmm.

To me any vehicle that is combat tested or comes from the roots of combat is gonna be a top runner in our relm of exploring....thus my 77 Jeep SJ and its ability to to eat any other up on the trail....just try...lol

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